Lyman Falls
Name of Project: Lyman Falls
Location: Bloomfield, VT
River: Connecticut and Mill Rivers
Type of Project: Fishing, Paddling Boat Access, Campsites, State Park
Public Access: Yes
Date Completed: 2001
Size: 41 Acres
Water Frontage: 5,600′
Landowner: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Funding Partners: Connecticut River Joint Commissions, Trout Unlimited, Fields Pond Foundation, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Businesses & Individual Donors
Property Description: Adjacent to the old Lyman Falls dam, now breached, the property provides access to some of the finest trout fishing in New England and hosts several outstanding primitive canoe campsites, part of a growing water trail. Plunge pools, rapids and riffles below Lyman Falls have the effect of oxygenating the water to create an excellent cold-water fishery.
Project Background: In 1903, the old Lyman Falls dam brought the first electric power to the country. Since its removal in 1963, the site had become a popular recreational spot. The moderate, wade-able gradient and consistent riffles below have attracted anglers from all over for the fine catch-and-release fishing. Believing that the property should be in p
ublic ownership, Malcolm Washburn and Dallas Washburn Chase, owners of Washburn Lumber of Colebrook, NH, sold the property to VRC. “We thought it extremely important to have the land maintained as it is now,” said Mrs. Chase. “It has a lot of natural beauty and is one of the few places with river frontage that looks out across to a forested shoreline in New Hampshire.” Upon purchase VRC conveyed the property to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation and a grant of development restrictions and public access easement to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. The site will be managed as a primitive canoe-campsite, water-access only, and a foot-access fishing area.
Directions: Take Route 2 NE to I-91 just before St. Johnsbury. Take 91 N to Lyndonville exit. Proceed on Route 5 to Route 114. Proceed NE on Route 114 to Route 105. Go right on 105 to town of Island Pond. Continue on 105 to Route 102, town of Bloomfield. Go left (N) on Route 102. A little over 2 miles look for orange gate on right. This is gate into property. If you see AOT property, you have gone too far.
